HOW CAN I CONTACT
BUILDING INSPECTION?
For general information, please visit us at
http://www.dallascityhall.com/building_inspec
tion.
There you will find the permit
application form, permit application
checklists and fee schedule. If you still have a
question, call 214-948-4480 and leave a
message on our Interactive Voice Response
System.
To make an inspection request or for a
status of an inspection, please call 214-6705313.
Sustainable Development and
Construction Department
CHECKLIST — CHANGE OF USE
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
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Building Inspection Division
320 E. Jefferson Boulevard
Dallas, Texas 75203
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214-948-4480
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Completed permit application form and
certificate of occupancy (CO) application
information sheet.
Two copies of a site plan drawn to a
standard scale of the entire property that
shows exits from buildings, or a key plan
showing exits, and parking spaces.
Parking analysis to include the type of
business and area in square feet for every
tenant on the property.
Two sets of floor plans drawn to a standard
scale for restaurants, theaters, dance halls,
religious worship, sport arenas and other
assembly uses, or any change in occupancy
group as defined in the Dallas Building
Code.
For multi-story buildings, a building floor
key plan is required that shows the location
of the tenant space and all other tenant
spaces on that floor identified by their suite
number. Key plan does not have to be to
scale.
For manufacturing or storage facilities, an
inventory that list raw materials used and
quantities stored is required.
MSDS
reports are required for any HAZMAT
stored or used.
Submit a tree survey that identifies any
protected tree species within 50 ft. of any
construction related activity.
This pamphlet is a guideline, and is not intended to replace the city code, or state or federal
law. Always check the city code, state and federal law for details, exceptions, and amendments. In the event of a conflict between this document and the city code or other legal
authority, the city code or other legal authority supersedes.
City of Dallas Publication No. 03/04-84 08-16-2011
Additional copies may be obtained from Building Inspection, 320 E. Jefferson Blvd., or
call 214-948-4480.
HOW TO GET A
CERTIFICATE OF
OCCUPANCY
Sustainable Development and
Construction Department
Building Inspection Division
WHEN DO I NEED A CERTIFICATE WHERE DO I GO TO OBTAIN A CO?
OF OCCUPANCY (CO)?
The Dallas Development Code requires that
“Except for single family and duplex uses, a
person shall not use or change the use of a
building, a portion of a building, or land without
obtaining a certificate of occupancy from the
building official”.
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A new CO is required for the following:
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First use of land or a building.
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A change of use of land or a building.
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A change of tenant on an existing CO.
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Any change of floor area of an existing use.
The permit fee total for a CO is $280
($215 CO Fee, plus a $65 Code
Compliance Verification Fee).
A “record change” can be made to a CO when
the name of the business listed on a CO
changes (DBA change). No inspections are
made. The cost is $30.00.
For an existing multi-family housing complex, a
record change is only available when there is
no record of code violations for the complex.
If there are any outstanding code violations
found, a new CO application is required.
Code Compliance approval is required
before the CO application can be
approved.
WHAT IS A TEMPORARY CO?
A temporary CO allows occupancy of a
structure or suite while certain non-life safety
issues, such as landscaping, is near completion
The fee for a temporary CO is $104.00. Only
Temporary CO’s can be obtained at our
District Offices.
Building Inspection Division
320 E. Jefferson Boulevard
Room #118, Permit Center
Dallas, Texas 75203
214-948-4480
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO
OBTAIN A CO?
If the proposed use will be the same as the
previous use, a CO application can be approved
and inspections scheduled while you wait.
If the proposed use will be different from the
previous use, a site plan with a parking analysis
and building floor plans will be required (refer to
checklist on the other side of this pamphlet). The
time required to review the plans could take up
to two weeks depending on the complexity of the
project.
BUSINESSES THAT SELL OR SERVE
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Refer to the Alcohol Measurement Certification
Application Checklist. The checklist can be found
here:
http://www.dallascityhall.com/building_inspection
Click “Forms and Applications” button listed on
the menu.
WHAT ARE THE PROCEDURES TO
OBTAIN A CO?
Complete and submit an application to Building
Inspection and payment of $280.
If the
proposed use will be different from the previous
use, submit those documents listed on the
checklist for a CO change of use.
No
construction is allowed to obtain a CO. In
those cases, a building permit will be required as
necessary to obtain the CO.
Before the building can be occupied and
electricity turned on by Oncor Electric, the
building site must be inspected and approved by
building, electrical, and plumbing/mechanical
inspectors. Health inspections are required
for all food service establishments. A
health permit fee of $300 will be assessed
at the time of application. When requested,
these inspections take place the following
business day after the CO application is
approved or may be scheduled at a later date for
your convenience.
Inspections are performed between the hours of
8:30am and 3:30pm. The building must be
accessible to inspectors on the day inspections
are scheduled and the correct address and suite
numbers must be posted. If the building is not
accessible and ready for inspection, a
reinspection fee will be charged for the first
inspection.
Once all CO inspections have been approved by
the inspectors, the electricity will be released to
Oncor Electric and the CO will be issued and
mailed to the applicant for posting at the building
or tenant space. Please allow 24 to 72 hours for
electrical service after notification to Oncor.